Georgia: Amendments to the Law on Labor Migration
The Georgian Parliament is considering draft amendments introducing a new legal concept — short-term professional activity — and expanding the list of exemptions from the permit regime for foreigners.
Key Proposed Changes Include:
- New exemptions from the work permit requirement
The following categories may work without a permit:
- individuals holding a special residence permit issued at the initiative of a government member;
- employees of state agencies and state-owned enterprises;
- remote workers who do not physically enter Georgia;
- individuals providing services to non-residents abroad;
- managers and auditors of Category 1–3 enterprises.
- New definition of “self-employed foreigner”
Expanded to cover any foreign national engaged in entrepreneurial or employment activities for remuneration—including independent contractors and freelancers.
- The concept of “short-term professional activity”
Work performed within the framework of a specific project or event that does not constitute long-term employment. The list of types and durations will be established by the Government in a separate resolution.
- New grounds for denying a permit
A permit may be denied in the absence of documents confirming compliance with the criteria for employment or entrepreneurial activity. The criteria are defined at the level of secondary legislation.
- New Article 13⁹: Short-term activity regime
A foreign national may work without a work permit or residence permit if the activity is temporary and related to a specific project. Such a person is not considered a labour migrant or self-employed.
Key Risk:
The amendments will enter into force upon publication—but key lists and criteria will be defined later by subordinate legislation. Legal uncertainty persists until their adoption.
Author: Nino Zautashvili.
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